Every day, we make choices about where we want to spend our money and free time. If you aren’t already shopping with small and local businesses, or if you’re looking for ways to shop more with local businesses, there are so many reasons why you want to shop locally. From helping boost the local economy by shopping at your neighborhood farmer’s market to buying from sustainable, cruelty-free makeup brands, here are eight benefits to shopping with local businesses.
It’s Easy to Shop with Local Businesses
Contrary to popular belief, it’s not complicated to shop locally. After all, these shops are right in your neighborhood. Even if you feel like you aren’t sure where the independent businesses are in your neck of the woods, you can do research by simply searching for small businesses near you online. You can also shop for independent brands online. There are plenty of small businesses out there that would love to have your business and give you exactly the products you’re looking for. From local boutique clothing stores to vegan makeup brands, you’re sure to find the perfect local business for you.
Help Support Local Businesses
Support small businesses by shopping locally. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that small businesses are ramping up. More and more people are shopping locally. At the end of 2021, small establishments with 10-49 employees had over three million job openings. That’s more than any other size group!
You Invest in Your Neighborhood
So many businesses struggle to stay afloat by retaining current customers or finding new ones. This goes for many small businesses, from your local corner cafe to your favorite place where you buy handmade greeting cards. Shopping at a local business does support that specific business financially, but you do more than just support that one business when you choose to stop there. You’re investing in your neighborhood. You’re helping your community prosper because those thriving independent businesses can also help boost the prices of homes and other businesses in your area.
You Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Because the items or food you get from local businesses are more likely to be sustainably sourced, you reduce your carbon footprint. You’re not going all the way out of town just to go to the nearest big box brand. Instead, you’re shopping at the local grocery store down the street. You’re getting a book from that cute indie bookstore on the corner. Many small businesses pride themselves on adhering to responsible practices and working with sustainable suppliers. Ask your local business about how they give back to the community and the environment.
Shopping Locally Helps Create Demand for Jobs
By shopping locally, you’re directly helping the business owner. You know who is behind the small business. As their business grows, they’ll need to hire more people to help support the business. Shopping locally will help create demands for jobs, so you’re directly supporting the local economy. That means when you’re buying vegan skincare products from that local vegan skincare brand, you’re doing more than just adhering to your lifestyle. You’re helping support the planet and the local economy. Talk about a win-win!
